By James Willoughby

The Championships top goalscorer from last season is in high demand but the new owner at Elland Road says he will do everything in his power to keep the Scottish striker

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has pledged to keep in-demand captain Ross McCormack at the club despite significant interest.

A host of Premier League clubs – including the likes of West Ham United, Newcastle and Derby County – are said to be keen on signing McCormack ahead of the new season.

The Scotland international was the Championship's top scorer last term, netting 28 times in 46 appearances as he helped Leeds stave off the threat of relegation after a disastrous run of form in early 2014.

Recently-relegated Fulham are thought to have had a £5million bid rejected for the forward, while recent reports have linked Cardiff with a £9million move for a player they sold to Leeds in 2010.

And while Cellino said he may give McCormack the chance to talk to a top tier club if they meet United's valuation, he said he was determined to keep the striker.

"Why should we sell McCormack? He loves it here," Cellino told reporters at the unveiling of Leeds' new head coach, Dave Hockaday, on Thursday.

"If a Premier League team comes we have to give him the chance but I pledge to keep him here.